I find it extremely hard to relax - there's always so much going on, newspapers to read, tweets to send or people to speak to. But sometimes my brain needs a rest.
So, it was an utter joy to find myself forced to slow down at the Cowshed Spa in the St Moritz hotel in Trebetherick, north Cornwall. My therapist, 24-year-old Katrina, was excellent and knew just when to let me drift away into massage bliss. It was such a joy.
The spa is just one part of the St Moritz: a true family friendly hotel, packed with children yet still somewhere you can relax in comfort.
The hotel is built in an art-deco style, and offers both self-catering apartments and hotel rooms, including seven junior garden suites which are ideal for families. These have just been refurbished to give a more airy feel, each opening out onto a patio that leads to the hotel gardens.
The glorious outdoor pool (heated, of course) lies beyond, and there are also outdoor table-tennis tables, plus an indoor pool and gym. I awoke early and very much enjoyed my quiet early-morning swim, jacuzzi and sauna. But be warned, all the activities get very busy later on - this is no place for those who don't like kids!
St Moritz has two restaurants, one in the main hotel, which we tried for dinner, and one by the pool, which is the only choice if you want your kids to have the children's menu after 7pm.
The menu in the restaurant we tried was full of delicious sounding dishes, although it offered only one vegetarian option and we had to ask for shellfish to be removed from our fish choices.
Our starters (a tomato and mozzarella salad and white onion soup) were particularly delicious but service was slow, which is never good when you're with children.The desserts helped make up for this but the next day's breakfast was a little underwhelming.
St Moritz boasts terrific ocean views from its hillside home, and nearby Polzeath beach is popular with surfers. However, we fell in love with breathtaking Daymer Bay, a 25-minute walk away.
Overall, this is a treat for families holidaying in Cornwall who are hoping to keep the kids happy and enjoy some luxury too.
